Kaduna

About Kaduna

Kaduna was laid out by the British in the early twentieth century as the capital of Northern Nigeria, and that planned origin still shapes it: broad avenues, government quarters, polo grounds and a railway bridge across the river that gave the city its name, Kaduna being a Hausa word for crocodiles.

After independence it remained the political heart of the North. The former home of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the region's first premier, is now Arewa House, a research centre and archive on northern history, and Lugard Hall still houses the state assembly. Today Kaduna is a busy, diverse commercial city, with Muslim and Christian communities, textile and refinery industries, and markets that draw traders from across the region.

For visitors the highlights are the National Museum with its Nok terracottas, the colonial buildings around the centre, and the riverside views by the old bridges. Kajuru Castle makes an unusual excursion to the south. Check current travel advice before visiting, especially for road journeys outside the city.